Your editorial (22 April) perfectly illustrates the British problem with Europe. You quite rightly observe that our continental neighbours largely take for granted a European dimension to political debate and that all sides find it normal to frame issues in this broader context. The idea that mainstream parties can communicate with a mature and informed electorate on these terms is not a stunt but has become ingrained in the political culture over many years. This is in stark contrast to Nick Clegg's delusion, expressed on the same page, that he can win hearts and minds at a stroke by engaging in a slapstick session with a megaphone populist (Where do you want to live, Great Britain or little England?, 22 April). Big changes require vision and commitment in the long term, two qualities which clearly are in short supply on this side of the Channel. Perhaps that is the real divide between us and the rest of Europe.Roger WoodhouseSutton Coldfield, West Midlands

• Nick Clegg asserts that he would debate with Nigel Farage every day in front of the television cameras if he could. This reminds me of the definition of insanity consisting of repeatedly doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. Someone has to point out to the Lib Dem leader that he is a vote loser, that his arguments are cliched and unconvincing, and that if Farage is living in the 1950s, so too is he. Meanwhile Eurosceptics will greet his column as simply more grist to their mill. Professor Alan SkedLondon School of Economics

• Hurrah for Nick Clegg's firm support of Britain's continued EU membership. However, he misses one important point. Membership of the EU has ensured our peaceful coexistence with our neighbours for decades. Mr Clegg, representing Britain and deputising for Mr Cameron, was present at the Nobel ceremony in Stockholm when the peace prize was awarded to the European Union. Too bad Mr Cameron was too scared of his backbenchers to stand alongside Angela Merkel, François Hollande and the leaders of the Netherlands, Spain and Italy to celebrate this recognition of the most important function of the EU. Sure, there are disagreements, but these are not solved by lobbing bombs or pointing guns. Sure, there is bureaucracy, but this exists in many of our own British institutions. Storming out and slamming the door like a petulant teenager is not the way to behave where maturity and statesmanship are needed to tackle global problems. A vote to stay in the EU is a vote for peace, without which there is no prosperity.Catherine MillarCastle Cary, Somerset

• Nick Clegg's piece on Europe sums up his limitations and those of his party. There are two crucial issues missing. Clegg does not address the democratic deficit in the EU. Offering some tangible reforms could have been convincing. And the other glaring omission concerns the social agenda. What about workers' rights and the development of social justice more generally? Silence. I'm for Europe, but not one based on the market and driven by a neoliberal agenda. No wonder Nigel Farage and Ukip are making the running.Jol MiskinSheffield

• According to Nick Clegg, in the event of withdrawal from the EU our police will be denied cross border co-operation. Where is the evidence? Interpol, established in 1923, pre-dates the EU by some 35 years or more. Its budget is provided by 190 countries. When I last checked there were 28 members of the EU. In an article which purports to warn us of scaremongering by Ukip, it seems to add nothing to a proper debate on our future in or out of Europe.Richard BullWoodbridge, Suffolk